[Eadwine Rose]

The thing I have a question about is on part 2 and then when looking at the lessons it's section no 18 where there is a CII with the 3rd and 4th finger respectively on string 2 and 1, then the 4th finger has to move one fret up, to the fifth.

Ouch?

I can manage it, JUST, but there are two ways that happen for me here that both don't really work.

(1) I arch the index finger making it easier for that pinky to slide up, but then the barré ends up waking the neighbors.

(2) I keep the index straight and have proper tension on that, but the pinky cannot slide up further than the beginning of that 5th fret, which at times results in scaring the cat away.

Of course this can be sorted out by playing during normal hours and not having the cat in the room, but still.. It'd be fun if I could just manage without scaring things *laughs*

I have tried an alternative as well; the barré with index, then a mini barré with the ring finger over the 1st and 2nd string 4th fret so I can move the pinky up a notch, but no dice there either since I have to strain the ring finger then to lift it up from that 1st string again. So.. scratch that one.

Is this just a matter of "keep at it lass on (2), you'll get it stretched proper sometime" or is there something about the position that I can change?

[Fretsource]

Option no. 2 is considered the correct way, but if you can't manage that for now, try your option no.1 but don't arch your barre finger until its time to move your pinky up and then as soon as your pinky is in a good position on the fret lose the arch and resume the barre.

Meanwhile don't give up on option 2 because it's the best way. You can improve that by sliding that chord high up the neck and practising it on its own. The frets are closer so the stretch isn't so big. Then, when you can do it easily, come down a fret and practise some more. Each time you come down a fret the stretch is a little more and your fingers will gradually increase their stretch. You will be able then to play it smoothly and the cat will thank you for it.

[Eadwine Rose]

The cat will thank me for it *laughs!!*

Thanks! I had forgotten about that tip, indeed, so many years ago the same thing was told by that one person who taught me. I'll practice higher up and then move my way down.

Oh.. one thing, as for this bit: "as soon as your pinky is in a good position on the fret lose the arch and resume the barre" That is the thing, when I lose the arch at THAT particular moment and leave the pinky where it is my barré is on the beginning of the 3rd fret: not good. I cannot lose it till right after the pinky has done its job, but it's tricky business with that 2nd and 3rd string there that have to be played right after.

I'll keep at it though, and as I told you already, won't overdo things and take breaks regularly Thanks again for that "higher up the board" tip!

[Eadwine Rose]

Good news to report. I haven't played for a few days and now I find that amazingly enough it works better when I bar the whole second fret than when I bar all BUT the 6th string. I know barring the whole isn't needed, but somehow I have a better reach that way

In any case.. this method allows my pinky to reach just over half way of the 5th fret, which is a whole lot better than barely reaching the beginning of it.

[allthumbs]

Sometimes taking a small break can be quite helpful.

[Eadwine Rose]

Yep, most definitely so. I found that out when I was in my competitive swimming carreer as well. A few days rest, two or three without training, and wham. Like I was flying